Carnival season is getting an early start this year at Carrolltown Mall, beginning this Friday, April 8th at 6:00 p.m. As of Wednesday morning, carnival workers were busy unloading machinery, setting up gates, putting together rides, and generally setting up what looks like a lot of fun for the next few weeks.

The carnival will be open from Friday, April 8th, through Sunday, April 17th. Hours will be 5:30 – 10:00 weekdays, with matinee start times of 1:00 on Saturday and Sunday, going to perhaps 11:00, depending on the crowd. Wrist band specials of unlimited rides are available every night from 6:00 to closing for $22 per person, as well as Saturday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon’s special will be $17, running 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

The carnival features approximately 23 rides. Some of the most popular are:

After all rides are assembled and before they open to the public, the American Ride Safety Division of the State of Maryland checks to be sure all safety requirements are met. Sponsors of this carnival are the Baltimore United Volunteers, with some proceeds going to this non-profit. Their purpose is to “bring history to life by recreating the solders of the War of 1812 – 1814, according to their website.

Owner Peter Joseph stated that the carnival was begun by his grandfather in the 1960’s, and the group is Annapolis based. They have just kicked off their 2011 season with a previous opening at Eastpoint Mall. The carnival covers the northern Virginia, Baltimore area, setting up in just a few days, and then disappearing again to carry the fun to the next city.

Discount coupon flyers are being distributed to area schools and fast food restaurants. Grab up one of these, and then head out for some early springtime carnival food and fun.